About
The character 牢 combines 宀 (mián, an enclosure) placed over 牛 (niú, cow) to form an ideogram of a cow in a pen. Its original meanings were a pen, fold, or stable for livestock. Because confining large animals requires a strong, secure structure, the meaning extended to a prison or jail. The notion of secure containment also gave rise to adjectival senses like firm, solid, fast, or durable, and to the verb meaning to firmly remember something.
Etymology Hide
Example Sentences Hide
这个箱子很牢固。
你一定要牢记老师的话。
小鸟被关进了牢笼。
他总是发牢骚，抱怨工作。
这座桥建造得十分牢靠。
他因犯罪而进了牢狱。
他们的友谊是牢不可破的。
在困境中，他为自己牢牢守住了一线希望。
Report an issue
Flag incorrect definitions, examples, etymology, etc.